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Goranson 1939 Drypoint 'the Salvaged Liner' Limited Edition 12/20, Burrard Inlet

Currency:CAD Category:Collectibles Start Price:10.00 CAD
Goranson 1939 Drypoint 'the Salvaged Liner' Limited Edition 12/20, Burrard Inlet
Preview: January 30th (10am - 5pm)
Pick ups: Feb 1st - Feb 3rd (10am - 5pm)

Preview and Pick up location: 27294 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P8

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Paul A. Goranson (1911-2002) was one of Canada's most accomplished printmakers and a key figure in the development of West Coast modernism during the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Vancouver, Goranson trained at the Vancouver School of Art under F.H. Varley and Jock Macdonald, two of the most influential artists in Canadian art history. He later continued his studies at the famed Art Students League in New York, where he refined his technical mastery of printmaking, particularly drypoint and etching.

Goranson became widely recognized as part of the celebrated "Western Group of Painters," alongside Orville Fisher and E.J. Hughes. The trio-sometimes referred to as the "West Coast Brotherhood"-produced some of the most dynamic and innovative Canadian artworks of the pre‑war era. During the Second World War, Goranson served as an official Canadian war artist, documenting naval operations, shipyards, and the industrial might of the Pacific coast. His wartime works are held in major institutional collections, including the Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada.

His drypoints from the late 1930s are especially prized by collectors for their technical precision, dramatic linework, and atmospheric maritime themes. These early prints capture the industrial and nautical character of Vancouver's working harbour at a time of rapid transformation, blending realism with imaginative interpretation.

The Lot
Limited Edition Drypoint on Copper (1939)
Title: The Salvaged Liner (Imaginary Scene Burrard Inlet)
Artist: Paul A. Goranson
Edition: Numbered 12/20
Medium: Drypoint on copper
Dimensions: Approximately 21 in x 17 in (framed or sheet size as applicable)

This rare 1939 drypoint by Paul A. Goranson showcases the artist at the height of his early technical ability, just before his appointment as a Canadian war artist. Titled The Salvaged Liner (Imaginary Scene Burrard Inlet), the work presents a vivid, imagined maritime tableau inspired by Vancouver's bustling harbour. Goranson's mastery of drypoint is evident in the intricate cross‑hatching, rich tonal depth, and expressive linework that bring the scene to life.

The composition features a partially salvaged ocean liner set against the industrial backdrop of Burrard Inlet-an evocative blend of realism and artistic invention. The print captures the tension between decay and renewal, a theme that resonated strongly in the late 1930s as global conflict loomed. Goranson's ability to merge technical precision with atmospheric storytelling makes this piece a standout example of pre‑war Canadian printmaking.

Printed in a very small edition of only 20 impressions, this example-number 12/20-is highly collectible. Works from this period rarely appear on the market, and Goranson's drypoints are increasingly sought after by collectors of Canadian modernism, maritime art, and early West Coast printmaking.

The print remains in excellent condition for its age, with crisp lines and strong plate tone, and is presented at an impressive size of approximately 21 x 17 inches. Its combination of rarity, artistic merit, and historical context makes it a compelling acquisition for both private collectors and institutional buyers.